Inguinal hernia surgery

The most commonly performed inguinal hernia repair today is the Lichtenstein method. It involves incising the skin over the groin and enforcing the structures of inguinal canal with special synthetic material, the so called surgical mesh.

Currently used meshes are partially absorber that is why they heal better and there is a smaller risk of having painful ailments.

Patient benefits

Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair is performed using local anaesthesia with anaesthetic sedation during a one-day hospital stay;

The operation takes about 40 minutes and is safe even for elderly patients;

With the Lichtenstein hernia repair, you will probably be able to go home soon afterwards and get back to your normal daily routine and work;

The age of a patient does not matter as regards eligibility for the procedure and only extremely exhausted patients may not me qualified for this operation

Specialists:

Eligibility for the Lichtenstein hernia repair is determined during a specialist surgical consultation and if required an ultrasound examination is performed. Patients suffering from other diseases may require opinions of other specialists.

Medical eligibility is verified and the hernia surgery is performed by:

specialists

Stanisław Molski, MD. PhD. DSc.specialist in general and vascular surgery and angiology

Michal Molski, MD. PhD.specialist in general surgeryexpert in phlebology and proctology

Andrzej Palewicz, MD. PhD.specialist in general and thoracic surgeryexpert in laparoscopic surgery

Treatment methods:

A hernia will not heal or become smaller on its own. The only treatment for hernias in adults is a surgery.

There are a number of treatment techniques for hernias, however the most commonly performed one is currently the so called tension-free repair of an inguinal hernia with the implantation of mesh.

A golden mean for inguinal hernia treatment in the world is the Lichtenstein technique.

During this operation a special mesh is placed over the defect to reinforce the anterior wall of the inguinal canal. After a while the mesh will grow into surrounding tissues making a resistant barrier against recurrence.

The procedure is performed using a local anaesthesia and anaesthesiological sedation on a one-day stay basis

The final decision about your eligibility for the procedure is made by your surgeon.

Course of the procedure:

Your surgeon will choose the treatment technique for hernia.

Preferable procedures ensure you safety and comfort and enable you to return home quickly and safely. Therefore, we opt for a local anaesthesia to meet these requirements. When a topical anaesthesia is applied your surgeon will spray anaesthetics on the skin area to operated.

Your anaesthesiologist will make sure the procedure is performed safely.

After the operation the patient is carried to the post-op room where he or she is monitored until anaesthetics stop working. A few hours later the patient returns to activities and receives a light meal.

Post-op wound care:

Following the procedure you should change the dressing every day until the follow-up appointment;

The wound should not get wet (that is why you are recommended to have a shower instead of a bath);

For the period of several dozen days following the procedure you may have some minor swelling or painful sensation in the operated region. Analgesic pills like Ketonal or Paracetamol will allow you to avoid pain and return to normal activities quite soon;

You should avoid lifting heavy items over the period of three months to let the scar get stronger.

Follow-up appointments:

A follow-up appointment takes place after 7-14 days. Then the process of healing is evaluated and the stitches are removed;

The remaining scar is really minor and can be easily hidden beneath underwear. This procedure does not reduce your activity and allows you to go back to your normal activities and work only several days following laparoscopic hernia repair;

You are likely to recover over the period of one to three months depending on the size of a hernia and type of work you do. During convalescence you should avoid lifting heavy objects;

Few patients report a difficult to describe sensation of aching pain, formication or soreness in the post-op region. Over the period of a few months from the operation these ailments release or significantly reduce.

Registration:

Disclaimer:

This website describes standard aspects concerning your disease and treatment. It is not intended to replace professional medical treatment or talk between you and your surgeon about your disease, treatment or operation.